On sale from December, the all-new Mazda2 will be powered by a class-leading, new-generation 82 kilowatt, 1.5-litre engine.
Adopting sophisticated Sequential Valve Timing, the all-alloy engine is part of a complete redesign of Mazda’s light car competitor, which also employs all-new body architecture, has new suspension, steering, brakes and larger tyres.

The Mazda2’s engine delivers 24 per cent more power than a Holden Barina, 49 per cent more power than the Volkswagen Polo and 28 per cent more power than the 121’s 1.5-litre engine. The new Mazda engine also returns significantly improved fuel economy.

The five-door hatch, which will be sold in three trim levels – Neo, Verve and a sport model that is called Genki in Japan – and introduces exciting color options such as Spicy Orange and Honey Yellow.

It also adopts Mazda’s athletic design form, which shaped the hot-selling Mazda6.

The range-topping sport model goes on sale in February next year and features a body kit, driving lights, 15-inch alloy wheels and ABS anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution.

Promising first-class driving dynamics, the Mazda2 will also deliver class-leading value with the car to be priced from close to $18,000 with air conditioning.

At this price the Mazda2 Neo would be about $1000 below the 121 1.5-litre Shades and five-door Holden Barina with air conditioning and approximately $1500 below the entry-level VW Polo, which is not available with air conditioning.

Holden and Volkswagen also charge $235 and $490 respectively for metallic paint, a no-cost option on the Mazda2.

The 1.5-litre Mazda2 Neo will also be more affordable than the 61kW, 1.3-litre Honda Jazz GLi with air conditioning, which is priced at $18,990.

All three rear passengers get a lap-sash seatbelt, while ISOFIX child seat and top-tether anchor points are also provided.

Equipment levels will be high, with central locking, a CD player, power steering, driver’s seat height adjustment and an engine immobiliser standard on all grades.

Larger and with even more interior room than the car it replaces, the Mazda2 can accommodate up to five adults in comfort and features a sliding fore/aft and split/fold rear seat to meet every load-carrying need.

The Mazda2 debuts at the Sydney Motor Show alongside a final production prototype of the all-new RX-8 rotary-powered sports car and the just-released Mazda6, giving show-goers their first look at the new generation Mazda car family.

The managing director of Mazda Australia, Malcolm Gough, said: “The Mazda2 opens the next exciting chapter in the renaissance of the Mazda brand. The reaction to the Mazda6 has exceeded our expectations and the Mazda2 will do the same.

“Its combination of power, dynamics, style and spacious interior will ensure it appeals to a new generation of Mazda buyer.

The RX-8 prototype on display differs only in minor detail from the car that will arrive in Australian dealerships from June next year.

Unlike other motor show ‘star’ cars, the RX-8 prototype has had a demanding life with this car being used as a test and development mule at Mazda’s Miyoshi proving ground in Japan.

The RX-8, which will be the flagship of the Mazda range, will be powered by a 184kW Renesis rotary engine and like the Mazda2 and Mazda6, sits on new body architecture, uses new suspension, steering and brakes. It also boasts perfect 50:50 front to rear weight distribution.

Unlike other sports cars the RX-8 features the innovative Freestyle door system that provides two, smaller, rear-hinged back doors, and with no central B pillar, offers great access to the rear seats.

With a long 2700mm wheelbase, the car can sit four-adults and the boot can accommodate two sets of golf bags.

Already in showrooms, the Mazda6 makes its first Sydney Motor Show appearance. Priced from $28,270 for the Limited sedan, the 122kW Mazda6 is selling strongly with sales in September – the car’s first month on the market – exceeding the company’s 600 car target.

The Mazda6, like the Mazda2 and upcoming RX-8, incorporates Mazda’s Stylish, Insightful and Spirited brand DNA and fully delivers on Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom promise.

The introduction of the Mazda6 has further lifted Mazda’s sales, which are now running about 10 per cent ahead of last year’s year-to-date total, putting the company on target to pass its record 2001 sales total of 34,126.